According to the Tunisian French langauge newspaper, Le Reveil, newly reelected President Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali, has granted a pardon to 80 Islamist prisoners.

It is believed that Ali Laarid, former spokesman of the Nahda group, a banned Islamist organization and Ziad Doulatli, one of the heads of a Nahda training camp are believed to be among those due to be released. It is unlikely to include Sadok Shourou, former president of Nahda, who has been jailed for 30 years.

Ben Ali announced several days ago that he intends to free several prisoners before the 17th anniversary of his ascent to power, 7 November. Tunisia has about 500 political prisoners.